Health Smart Virginia Sample Lesson PlanGrade 5 – Unit 14

Grade 5 Sample Lesson Plan:

Unit 14 – Handwashing

SOLs (Health Standards of Learning)

 5.1 j
 5.2 k

Objectives/Goals
 Students will recognize the importance of hand washing.
 Students will identify steps of the hand washing process.
 Students will demonstrate proper hand washing technique.

Materials
 Projector
 Computer with speakers for sound
 20 gator balls
 Four hula hoops
 Four empty hand soap containers (optional)

Procedure
Introduction: Why is personal hygiene so important?
 Teacher will show the Personal Hygiene introduction movie.
 This lesson will focus on hand washing as a step to improving personal hygiene to
increase overall health.
o Why: Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take
to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and
conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running
water. Germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth and
make us sick.
o How: Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure
to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your
nails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum or
sing the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice. Rinse your
hands well under clean, running water. Dry your hands using a clean
towel or air dry them.
Health Smart Virginia Sample Lesson PlanGrade 5 – Unit 14

 Teacher should demonstrate this and have students practice using

the song or a timer to see how long it really is.
Activity: Germ Ball
 Teacher will split the class into two teams. The object of the game is to roll germs
(gator balls) to the other side attempting to tag the other team members on the
shoe. If a student is tagged, they must “wash their hands” at one of their teams’
“sinks” or hula hoops. Teacher will place two sinks on the sides of each playing
area. The empty soap containers should be in each sink so student can simulate
the real thing.
o Round 1: When a student is tagged they must locate an open sink on their
side and they must wash the full 20 seconds before the next team member
can be helped. Singing the song is encouraged.
o Round 2: Repeat round 1, except after a student washes their hands, they
must switch teams. Game continues until music stops. Winning team has
the most people on it.
o Round 3: Repeat round 1 except once a student is tagged for the third time,
they have so many germs they become sick and are stuck on the sidelines
doing exercises to feel better. “Sick” players get to return to play once the
doctor (teacher) says “You are healthy again!”
Closure: Review and Exit Slip
 What did you learn that was new today? Discussion should include length of
hand washing and specific steps of the hand washing process. (running water,
lather under nails, clean DRY towel, etc.)
 Review steps in order.
 Student should complete attached exit slip and turn in.

Assessment Idea
Observation during practice and game as well as exit slip.

References
 BrainPOP
 Centers for Disease Control

Handout
The next page includes a exit slip for this lesson. The handout is designed for print use
only.
Health Smart Virginia Sample Lesson PlanGrade 5 – Unit 14

Exit Slip – Hand washing

1. Please list the steps involved in hand washing in the proper order below.
1)      
2)      
3)      
4)      

2. How long should you scrub your hands for?      

3. Why is it so important to wash your hands? Choose one answer from list below.
     
A. Because it is fun to play in the water
B. Helps us to keep germs on our hands
C. To keep me from getting sick and spreading germs to others
D. To cool them off after playing outside